STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

Abstract: Structural members used to form the framing or glazing bars of window or windscreen assemblies and the like, for example the "A" posts (40) at the sides of a windscreeen of a vehicle (44) seen in the figure, are formed of transparent or translucent load bearing plastics or other materials for improved vision and/or light transmission. The invention may also be used for aircraft, boats, buildings and other structures such as shower screens to improve appearance as well as for practical reasons.

Description: STRUCTURAL MEMBERS This invention relates to structural members used to form the framing, posts, pillars, transoms, mullions or glazing bars of window or windscreen assemblies or similar structures incorporating glazing or transparent or translucent panels such as shower screens. Said members for the above or analogous applications are hereinafter referred to as "window members" and said assemblies or other structures incorporating those members and said glazing or panels are hereinafter referred to as "window assemblies". The object of the invention is to provide window members and window assemblies which give improved visibility and thus increase safety where the invention is applied to road vehicles, boats, aircraft and the like; which improve illumination by reducing obstruction of outside light; and which can also be used to improve the appearance and aesthetic appeal in the design of buildings, vehicles, boats and other structures. According to one aspect of the invention a window member for a window assembly is formed of a transparent or translucent load bearing material so that vision and/or light transmission can take place through an area of the assembly including said window member. The invention further consists of a window assembly in which one or more window members are formed as in the last preceding paragraph; and a land, water or air vehicle, building or other structure including one or more window assemblies as last defined. Some examples of the invention and its application are now more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a boat incorporating window assemblies oC the invention; Figure 2 is a. perspective sectional view of part of a window member of the invention and associated glazing; Figure 3 is a cross-section of another form of window member and glazing; Figure 4 is a view from the bridge or control position of a boat with window assemblies of conventional design ; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic perspective interior view of a room or similar structure having wrap-around or picture assemblies of the invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a road vehicle incorporating the invention. Taking firstly the example of a boat, one form of which is illustrated in Figure 1; as conventionally built the superstructure side and forward window assemblies 10 and glazed upper deck screen window assemblies 12 would have solid vertical pillars of wood, metal or similar material at intervals for the integrity of the superstructure, to bear the weight of any decking and the like above the windows, and to support the glazing 16 of the window itself against wind and wave pressure. Thus the view from the bridge or control position of a conventional boat of this type, shown in Figure 4, will be substantially obstructed by these solid pillars 11 (Fig. ) with the risk that hazards ahead may be obscured, even if only momentarily, with resultant danger particularly when running at high speed. Similar problems and dangers occur with motor vehicles where pillars , particularly the "A" posts at each side of the front windscreen may cause blind spots to the driver. By incorporating the invention the boat shown in Figure 1 substantially avoids these problems and is also given a more pleasing appearance. Each of the window members being vertical posts 14 (shown in broken lines in the drawing) which receives the substantially vertical edges of each piece of glass or other glazing material 16 is formed, e.g. as an extrusion or moulding, of a structurally stable load bearing transparent material e.g. a transparent plastics material which is tough and weather-resistant. Composite laminated and/or fibre reinforced transparent materials might be used. The cross-sectional profile of each post 14 defines glazing rebates 20 (Figure 2) for receiving the edges of the glass or other glazing material 16 and these rebates may accommodate sealing channels 22 and/or flexure type sealing lips 24 to seat the edges of the glass and keep them weathertight, these inserts and lips also being formed from transparent resilient silicone based or other plastics materials. A transparent window member for a double glazed window assembly is shown in Figure 3. Depending on the shape and application required the window members may be formed by extrusion, pressing or moulding or may be built up as a composite structure either custom built to suit the particular application or in a standard format. Straight or curved members can be provided and whilst solid cross-sections are shown in Figures 2 and 3 hollow wall cellular sections are also contemplated. The shape of the members may be selected to minimize optical distortion of the view therethrough but it will be appreciated that, even if the view through the window member is not so clear as through the glazing itself, sight is not completely obstructed as is the case with conventional constructions. Moreover, both the interior and exterior appearance and lighting are greatly improved as the heaviness of solid window members is absent in exterior view so that a window assembly which in fact has intermediate structural window members is given the appearance of a continuous "wrap around" or picture window or screen; but light transmission is also substantially increased so that interior lighting is improved. The latter is true even if tinted or translucent materials are employed; for some applications a degree of contrast between the glazing itself and the window members may be a desirable design feature. Figure 5 is the interior view of part of a building, for example a sun lounge or conservatory, where the wrap¬ around window effect is shown, window members 30 and 32 in the form of mullions and transoms being formed of transparent material as well as the surrounding frames 34 and the frames of opening lights 36. The transparent members are again shown in broken lines. Figure 6 shows a road vehicle and some or all of the vertical posts A-D may be transparent window members, in particular the A posts 40 at the front corners to each side of the windscreen and the rearmost D posts 42 of the estate type body 44 shown, which will provide increased safety in removing blind spots in both forward and rearward vision.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A window member as hereinbefore defined for use in forming a window assembly or other structure incorporating glazing or transparent or translucent panels, said member being formed of transparent or translucent load bearing material so that vision and/or light transmission can take place through an area of the structure including said member in use. 2. A member as in Claim 1 formed of transparent plastics material. 3. A member as in Claim 2 wherein composite laminated and/or fibre reinforced materials are used. 4. A member as in Claim 1, 2 or 3 having a cross- sectional profile defining glazing rebates for receiving the edges of said glazing or panels in the assembly. 5. A member as in Claim 4 including sealing channels or lips in said rebates for seating the glazing or panels, said channels or lips also being formed from transparent materials . 6. A window member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. 7. A window assembly or other structure including one or more members as in any preceding claim. 8. A window assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. 9. A land, water or air vehicle including a window assembly as in Claim 7 or 8. 10. A land, water or air vehicle as in Claim 9 including a windscreen or other forwardly facing window assembly, at least the pillars to each side thereof being members as in any one of Claims 1 to 6 to provide improved forward and side outward vision. 11. A building including a window assembly as in Claim 9.

Inventors: SEE BRIAN, SEE, BRIAN
Applicants: SEE BRIAN, SEE, BRIAN
Application year: 1994
Main classification: E06B3
IPC codes: B60J1, B63B19, E04D3, E06B3